Thought I would start out simple and have a couple of switches and be easy to keep track of, but that didn't last long. The expansion of my system as grown like crazy and now with two fairy good size yards (passenger and freight) I'm trying to get some idea on how to keep them straight, other than a simple piece of paper in front of me. A track schematic would almost be impossible, probably because I don't know how to do one and/or do it right. Has anyone got some suggestions, without seeing my layout, how they would arrange switches and how to keep track of who goes to where. With near 30 switches, I'm getting lost.
I think that you have done something that is causing you problems right now. This is just adding turnouts without having a idea or need for the turnouts. Get some track planning ideas on yard planning. Most yard tracks have a purpose, just adding tracks to a yard will just build a big hard to operate yard. There a several good books on this subject available. Look in the magazine for model railroading to see what is out there. I am not sure what you have done, so it would be a little hard to tell you about a track diagram. Try putting your main lines down first on a drawing, then adding your secondary lines and lastly adding your yard/engine service tracks in last. One thing to always remember, when track planning, is the KISS(keep it simple stupid) principal ALWAYS applies to track planning! The more complicated a track plan is, the more problems you will have. ------------------ Let's Go Run Trains MARK
Thanks for your response there, Mark, was a bit taken back when you said: "just adding turnouts without having a idea or need for the turnouts." My complete yard has a purpose and I was not, as you said: "just adding tracks to a yard." I have read several books on the subject, but most of them have limited themself to Atlas or some other system, none as address the newer and more dependible system that Kato sells. If I had an Atlas system I would have known exactly what to do. I realize that my track system maybe a bit complicated, but compared to many I have seen in all the mag's I subscrib to and the books I've read, I would say, my system is somewhere in the middle of complex to simple. I am quite familiar with K.I.S.S. But I do want something a bit more complex than a simple figure 8 on the floor. I do enjoy the fact that several modelerller have looked at the system and say "WOW" so I'm really proud of the system, but felt I could use a bit of imput on how to set up the switching schematics.
Alan. Mark's observations were valid given the information you posted. I'm at a loss as to what you are trying to achieve, myself. Are you looking for a system to identify where a certain train is located in the yard, a method of controlling the switches leading into, or out of, the yard, or a control panel design that will allow both of the above? If you have a track diagram you can post, that will help those of us who have experience and/or an suggestion in helping you obtain what you want. If you haven't a diagram or the capabilities to post it, please give a yell and someone will help pronto. Have a happy holiday. Gary. 35 degrees on Christmas day - Celsius that is! Christmas day Downunder - the heat is not just in the kitchen. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree!
Thanks Gary, wish I could erase the original message because it's a bit obvious that I didn't make myself very clear as to what I was looking for, and I don't seem to have the ability to express it correctly in words. If two people are at a lost at what I had asked then it's obvious I didn't state what I was looking for, my fault I'll wait until the next train show hits the area, take a diagram of my layout and try to explain it a bit better. I know exactly where all my tracks are and which track uses which switch, and how to move those trains across the yard but was looking for some idea on having a schematic of that layout. Hopefully some program to help diagram it. Thanks for the input and going to drop it, until I learn to communicate better. Thanks again to both you and Mark
You're welcome Alan. I gather you are after a control panel that doubles as a marker board for the trains. The train show route would work well, but if you have the means to post the diagram (access to a scanner for starters) then I am certain we can help. Just give a hoy! Cheers, Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree! [This message has been edited by Gats (edited 25 December 2000).]
